RISE 2019 Conference

Edwin Meléndez is a Professor of Urban Policy and Planning at Hunter College and the Director of the Center for Puerto Rican Studies. He has conducted considerable research in the areas of Puerto Rican and Latino studies, economic development, labor markets, and poverty. In addition to numerous scientific papers and other publications, he is the author or editor of thirteen books including State of Puerto Ricans 2017 (Centro Press), Puerto Ricans at the Dawn of the New Millennium (Centro Press, 2014) and Latinos in a Changing Society (Praeger, 2007). Professor Melendez has an extensive record of community and public service, including numerous appointments to government and community boards. Among other local and national organizations, he is a member of the UnidosUS (National Council of la Raza) Board of Directors, and of the National Advisory Board of the John J. Heldrich Center for Workforce Development at Rutgers University.